SAISD superintendent finalist owed $150,000 in federal taxes

By John Tedesco :
April 9, 2013
: Updated: April 9, 2013 11:44pm

One concern for the SAISD board is what would happen if the Internal Revenue Service demands the full amount and Manuel Isquierdo — seen here interacting with fifth-graders at the Sunnyside Unified School District in Tucson, Ariz. — can't pay.

More Information

Isquierdo's personal problems

Two IRS tax liens, totaling $152,674

Nine traffic and parking

infractions since 2007

Suspended driver's license (later reinstated)

Manuel Isquierdo, the lone finalist for superintendent at the San Antonio Independent School District, owes the IRS more than $150,000 in federal taxes and fees, and was cited for at least nine traffic and parking infractions since 2007 that included driving with a suspended license, public records show.

While praised by supporters for his efforts to improve the Sunnyside Unified School District in Tucson, Ariz., Isquierdo also is named with his wife in two tax liens the IRS filed in Arizona in 2011 and 2012. The liens say the couple owed $152,674 in taxes, interest and penalties.

The IRS filed the liens in Pima County, Ariz., and the amounts owed were documented by research service LexisNexis

The state of California also filed a lien of nearly $18,000 against the couple in 2009. The debt was paid off.

SAISD Board Chairman Ed Garza said school trustees were briefed about Isquierdo's track record and they have concerns. But they also see potential in a candidate who boosted graduation rates at Sunnyside.

The key question for the board — and the community — is whether a superintendent with blemishes can still be a good fit at a school district that needs a strong, innovative leader, Garza said.

“He's not a perfect candidate and doesn't have a super-squeaky-clean record,” Garza said. “But after he explained himself and interviewing him twice, the board, with all of our diversity and background, felt he ... could be a finalist.”

Messages left with Isquierdo, 62, weren't returned Tuesday. Garza said the board asked the job candidate about his past difficulties.

Isquierdo told the board he had moved from California to Arizona and was trying to sell his California home when the housing bubble popped. Garza said Isquierdo is challenging the IRS on the amount owed.

One concern for the board is what happens if the IRS demands the full amount and Isquierdo can't pay. Would the IRS end up garnishing the wages of the school district's top employee?

“We wanted to make sure there isn't going to be any kind of ruling or lien against salary — anything that could affect us,” Garza said.

Authorities in Arizona ticketed Isquierdo for traffic infractions that include speeding, failing to stop for a red light and driving with a suspended license. The license was suspended for failure to appear in court or to pay past fines.

It was unclear how long Isquierdo's license was suspended but Garza said it was reinstated. A municipal court record shows the ticket was dismissed.

Monique Soria, a Sunnyside spokeswoman, said the school district never went as far as hiring a driver to ferry Isquierdo around town, but there was a period when others had to drive him while on the job.

SAISD Trustee Patti Radle said she knows some critics might ask why the SAISD board selected a job candidate with baggage. She hopes they'll also ask what the board sees in Isquierdo.

“We feel that he would be a good fit,” she said. “He's got the talent, he's got the skills, he's got the energy. He's got vision. He's not afraid of taking risks.”

Radle said she was impressed by Isquierdo's emphasis on technology, engaging the business community, touting success stories in the school district and getting parents involved.

“There's such a power in engaging parents,” Radle said. She said that's how SAISD's popular Bonham Academy south of downtown became a success story.

“I give that credit to parents who really engaged with the school,” Radle said. Isquierdo would be a superintendent who could help encourage that success at other SAISD schools, she said.